Spanish Irregular Present Subjective Verbs

In the previous lesson, we learned how to conjugate the present subjective tense of regular verbs. While the present subjunctive of most verbs is formed by dropping the –o from the yo (first person singular) of the present indicative form of a verb and adding the appropriate ending, there are exceptions. This week we’ll look at some verbs that either take a spelling change based on their infinitive endings or are completely irregular in the present subjunctive.

If you’re still struggling with the present subjunctive after reading this lesson and the previous one, contact the Language Island in Atlanta. Our highly-qualified Spanish teachers offer customized, one-on-one classes on all aspects of the Spanish language.

The Present Subjunctive of Verbs Ending in –CAR, –GAR, and –ZAR

The subjunctives of verbs ending in –CAR, –GAR, and –ZAR follow the same spelling changes as they do in the command forms. Here is an example of each:

­True Irregular Present Subjunctive Verbs

The following verbs are completely irregular in the present subjunctive. These verbs follow no predictable pattern, so their conjugations must be memorized: